10 Things Knitters Get Wrong (Even Me!)

10 Things Knitters Get Wrong

Even if you’ve been knitting for a while, there are lots of new things to learn – not just specific techniques like the brioche stitch, or reading charts – there are YouTube videos and classes for those – but practices that might be called “managing your knitting”.

These help ensure that you have an enjoyable time with your knitting, and that you are delighted with the result.

After several decades of knitting, and a few unsuccessful projects among all the happy ones, I have learned a thing or two. 

So here are 10 things knitters get wrong that interfere with a happy experience. And, I’ve made most of these mistakes myself!

1.    Don't read the pattern all the way through to see that you understand the techniques, and construction. Make sure the pattern is within your capabilities, or includes techniques that you would like to learn. Do you like set-in sleeves or do you prefer raglan style? Read the pattern to see which one is used.

Swatch

2.    Skip the Gauge Swatch, just wing it. Sorry, it might seem tiresome when all you want to do is cast on something new (we’ve all been there), but a swatch can tell you a lot of information besides simply whether you’re “getting gauge”. It can show you the drape, or feel, of the knitted fabric, how well the yarn works with this stitch pattern, and even whether you really like this stitch pattern after all. You might decide you hate working miles of seed stitch.

3.    Ignore the schematic that tells you how big each piece should be. Is your sweater looking unusually big?  Check early and often how it compares to the schematic; don’t wait till you're finished to find out!

Summer Top in Merino Wool

4.    Don’t pay attention to matching the right yarn to the pattern. I once knit a sleeveless summer top in merino wool. What was I thinking? When would I ever wear it? Maybe cotton or linen would have been a better pairing.  How about a brightly variegated yarn for delicate lace socks? You can't appreciate either the yarn or the lace. A solid or semi-solid would work better. When in doubt, it’s usually best to follow the guidance provided by the designer in the pattern. 

5.    Don’t think about how you will wear the finished piece. Do you love to knit shawls but never wear them? Do you knit bright colored pieces, but in your wardrobe you stick with mainly neutrals? Think about knitting something that you will actually use; you’ll have the satisfaction of wearing something you made with your own hands – it’s a great feeling.

Extra Long Sleeves

6.    Don’t check your own (or other’s) measurements. You really need to know your measurements before making a garment. This is important for choosing which size to make, and for planning any adjustments. It’s best to revisit them every year or so, in case (ahem) some things have shifted. Don’t just choose size Medium because you always do. For kids’ clothing, take into account growth patterns; make sleeves a little long, for example, so that they don’t outgrow it too quickly.

7.    Don’t worry about caring for your knitted piece. Are you (or the recipient of your gift knitting) up for constant hand washing? Do they even know the item needs hand washing? (How would you even manage it for a large afghan – in a bathtub?) If you're not confident that the lucky recipient of your gift will lovingly hand wash it every time, For the Love of All That is Holy, make the item out of machine washable yarn. This is a pretty good idea for any children's wear too -- the kid's mother will thank you. After all, it’s you they’ll come crying to, when the piece has irretrievably felted to baby size after being machine-washed in hot water.

8.    Don’t consider the preferences of the person you’re knitting for.  People generally have favorite colors; I’ve noticed that quite a few men I know are especially particular about the colors that they will wear. Don't knit orange socks for a man who only wears navy blue or black. Recently, I was about to knit a pink sweater for my granddaughter, when I found out (just in time) that her favorite color is now teal!

9.    Don’t think about climate. Try to make sure the wearer of your knitted item will enjoy the piece you're making for them. If they live in a warm climate, stay away from heavy cabled sweaters and cowls, think instead of socks or a light shawl.

10. Don’t be concerned with the yarn texture or content. Take into account whether you or the eventual user of the piece will be receptive to a “rustic” yarn or will they find it too itchy and put it aside. The same goes for mohair, or particular fibers that people may be allergic to.

How about you? Do you have any knitting no-no's to add to the list? Do you have any knitting mishaps to share?  Please comment below!

To sum up, choose the right pattern for your needs or your lifestyle, choose the right yarn to go with that pattern, make sure the pattern is within your capabilities, or includes techniques that you would like to learn. Make sure that the finished garment will be usable either by yourself, or by the recipient, in terms of style, color and fit. Make sure the color, yarn choice and pattern style is suitable for the recipient.

Happy Knitting!

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